Comparative effectiveness of chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine, and hexachlorophene on the bacteria of the perineum and groin of pregnant women

Abstract

Four percent chlorhexidine gluconate detergent solution at relatively low concentrations is lethal to gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as to fungi. In previous studies we observed that chlorhexidine gluconate produced >99.9% kill of vaginal and perigenital skin bacteria and, unlike povidone-iodine, is not readily absorbed through intact vaginal epithelium into the bloodstream.1-4 In the present study the activity of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibiclens) against bacteria of the perineum and groin is compared with that of 10% povidone-iodine (Betadine, 1% available iodine) and 3% hexachlorophene (pHisoHex).